Mr Lancaster said there were “a number of options” to address the shortfall.

They are believed to include asking for more money from scheme partners, and looking for savings in the existing scheme.

And Mr Lancaster said: “This project is going to be fantastic for Harborough.”

Steve Jones of the Harborough Rail Users group said: “It was very pleasing to see the number of local people who were there on Saturday.

“It was also heartwarming to see how many people really cared about the old station building.

“I understand too that Network Rail aim to keep the Victorian goods shed on the opposite side of the tracks. One possibility is they could renovate it and use it as a second station entrance building.”

He added that he was encouraged to see that Network Rail seemed to be going for the most complete overhaul possible of the Harborough track and station site.